Rubio explains support for Gang of Eight plan

Sen. Marco Rubio detailed his support for the bipartisan immigration proposal from the Gang of Eight in an interview aired Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press."

Asked by host David Gregory why he'd back the deal, the Florida Republican rejected the "political calculus" of the moment.

"What we have in place today, the status quo, is horrible for America," Rubio said.

Rubio said the bill does not amount to amnesty, even with some Republicans, like Texas Sen. Ted Cruz saying it does.

"First of all, amnesty is the forgiveness of something," Rubio said. "In fact, there will be consequences for having violated the law."

The senator, who went all-in on the immigration bill last week, said the bill will allow the issue to be addressed both compassionately and responsibly.

"If you're waiting to come legally to the United States now, no one who has done it the wrong way will get it before you," he said. "In fact, it will be much cheaper, faster, easier and less bureaucratic if you're doing it the right way."